Tips for Productivity

Your travels will be sprinkled with 15-plus-minute periods of “bonus time” via flight delays, late clients, or other unexpected agenda disruptions that will be wasted if you aren’t prepared to make the most of them.

Always be ready. These three words should become your travel mantra. When you follow them, you can maximize your travel time, delays and all. Whether you’re on a 20-minute cab ride or waiting to board a flight, you can reply to an e-mail, make a phone call, amend a meeting agenda, catch up on reading, make changes to an ongoing product, confirm appointments, and more! The trick is that you have to “always be ready” with what you need to attack those tasks. So make sure you have the materials you need handy in your briefcase.

“I like to write at least one thank-you card each and every travel day,” says Womack. “Between the time the gate agent closes the aircraft door—meaning that I have to power down my electronics—and the time the plane reaches over 10,000 feet, I can generally write two to four cards. Of course, I have to make sure that I’m always ready with notecards, pen, envelopes, and stamps.”

Be sure to have pens and a notepad at all times. Even if you’re a fast typist, sometimes your most productive work sessions come from “splashing ink.”

“This is what I call brainstorming, mindmapping, or idea-ating,” shares Womack. “I travel with a medium-sized Moleskine journal, and it’s always out while I’m flying…just in case I need to write something down.”

Use pre- and post-airport time wisely. If you’ll be traveling in a cab to and from the airport, keep a list of people you need to call handy and give them a ring while you’re riding. Or use the ride to brainstorm what you’ll be discussing with the client you’ll be meeting with on the trip or to plan out another upcoming meeting. If you’ll be driving, queue up a podcast you’ve been meaning to listen to so that you can cross it off your to-do list after your drive.

Organize your travel workspace. Make sure you have a sensible carry-on that allows you to easily access the things you need, and take time the day before you travel to organize its contents for your upcoming trip. Make sure your bag or briefcase is stocked with extra pens, your brainstorming journal, any magazines or articles you’ve been meaning to read, thank-you notes to write, etc. This way, you’ll be ready to work when 15-minute bonus periods come up.

Develop a system for managing receipts. Whether it’s a special compartment in your briefcase or an envelope you keep in your wallet or purse, create a system for storing and managing your receipts. When you have to compile your expense report, you don’t want to waste time digging through bags, pockets, and papers searching for errant receipts!

Let your contacts know where you are. Don’t keep your travel schedule to yourself! Share with clients and contacts the basics of where you’ll be going and when. You may find out, for example, that a prospective customer is going to be in the same city with you, or that a layover destination matches a client’s home base. When you know these things ahead of time, you may be able to plan an extra meeting or build in some valuable face time with a person you wouldn’t otherwise have seen.

Use the airport. The airport isn’t just a travel hub—believe it or not, it can also be a valuable meeting space. Often, you can rent conference rooms at various airlines’ clubs, even if you’re not a priority member (though in this case, you might have to pay a slightly higher fee). These conference rooms are private and reasonably priced, and if it’s convenient for the other party as well, the location can save you time, stress, and hassle!

Have a business card handy. Traveling offers many opportunities to network…if you’re ready to take advantage of them.

“Spend one or more hours sitting next to me on a plane, and I’m bound to meet you,” points out Womack. “Sometimes it’s a short, ‘Hi there…heading out or going home?’ But many times, a greeting turns into a longer conversation. Whenever I meet new people, I’m listening for the kinds of things they are interested in, and how I can learn and gain from that conversation. If they recommend a book, a website, or a speaker, I like to follow up with them after I’ve taken some actions. Always be ready—there’s that phrase again!—with a business card so that when you meet someone new you can use the opportunity to build your professional network.”

Learn something new. The fact is, you can’t focus on work all the time. In fact, taking an occasional break will keep you sharper and more productive when you are focused on work. Womack suggests keeping a folder of magazine or newspaper articles that you’ve been wanting to read in your carry-on. That way, you can reach for one if you need a “work” break while on your flight. You could also use break time to queue up a video tutorial for a new software program, say, or just read a good book.

“When I’m taking a break from work, I like to catch up on inspiration,” Womack says. “I download TED talks or other educational or informational podcasts. You can find mine at http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/your-best-just-got-better/id427693120. The important thing is to use what time you can expanding your knowledge, motivation, and inspiration. You can even pass on things you believe might interest a client or colleague—it’s a great way to connect!”

“As you incorporate these strategies into your travel routine and they become second nature, you’ll find a work flow that allows you to feel accomplished even when you’ve spent most of your day on an airplane,” says Womack. “More importantly, you’ll find that you have more time and energy (and mental peace!) to devote to your meetings, tasks, and exploring the places you’re visiting.”

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About the Author:

Jason W. Womack, MEd, MA, provides practical methods to maximize tools, systems, and processes to achieve quality work/life balance. He has worked with leaders and executives for over 16 years in the business and education sectors. His focus is on creating ideas that matter and implementing solutions that are valuable to organizations and the individuals in those organizations.

To read Part One visit: Road Warriors Guide to Smart Travel 

Read Part two of 27 tips including Tips for Smooth Travelling

Always leave early! Always leave earlier than necessary for flights and meetings, and allow more time than you think is necessary to get to the airport. Yes, this is “duh!” advice, but Womack says it’s surprising how many people don’t follow it.

“Missing a flight because you wanted an extra 20 minutes of sleep doesn’t make any sense,” he points out. “Plus, if you show up early, you can use that bonus time to work on something else. And if you run into a problem en route to your destination, you won’t have to stress about being on time.”

Make sure all travel itinerary info is entered into your cell phone. Don’t underestimate the value of having easy access to confirmation numbers for your hotel, rental car, flight, etc., as well as phone numbers for each of those agencies. Sooner or later, your plans will change when you’re on the go, and having all of the pertinent information at your fingertips can change the game. Plus, it’s nice to be able to check your flight status without having to dig through your briefcase to find your flight-confirmation printout!

Take a (great) seat. If you’ve ever watched The Amazing Race, you know that contestants on the show are always jockeying for seats at the front of the plane so they can be the first ones off when it lands. While you might not need to be as strategic with your seating as those racers, keep in mind that the aisle seat does have its advantages. It allows you, if necessary, to easily get the items you need out of the overhead bin. (Side Note: Be sure to plan what you’ll need during the flight before the plane takes off so you won’t have to keep opening and closing the overhead bin.) Also, Womack says, having a seat in the exit row and on the aisle makes it easy to get up if you have to use the lavatory. (And let’s face it: Drinking lots of water is one of the best ways to stay healthy while traveling!)

Become a preferred customer. Having preferred customer status with car rental companies, airlines, hotels, and other key travel vendors can be a big help if you go on more than a handful of business trips a year. If something goes wrong, preferred status can often mean that a company’s employees will help you resolve a situation more quickly. For example, if you’re a preferred customer with an airline, you’ll get to board the plane early.

“Early boarding privileges in particular pay off every time, because they ensure you’ll have overhead bin space for your carry-on,” Womack shares. “These days people avoid baggage charges by bringing larger carry-ons, so the overhead bins often aren’t large enough to accommodate everyone. No pressed-for-time traveler wants to have a bag gate-checked and then stand in line waiting for it after the plane lands.”

Invest in a club membership with the airline of your choice. If you can, also invest in a club membership with an airline you frequently fly. You’ll gain access to that airline’s club space, so when you’re waiting on your next flight you’ll have a calmer, more comfortable place to be your best productive self. And perhaps most importantly, the space will be quiet enough for you to make calls to clients or colleagues without airport announcements blaring in the background!

Always carry cash. You never know when a problem with your bank or credit card company will cause a card to be denied. Always travel with cash so that you won’t be left stranded without a way to pay a cab driver or without money for lunch.

Carefully plan where you’ll stay. Even if it’s tempting, try to avoid touristy hotels or those in very busy areas. Often, the hassle of a busy lobby, overcrowded parking deck, and perpetual traffic just isn’t worth it. Once you do choose a home away from home, it’s a good idea to call your concierge ahead of time to find out what restaurants, entertainment venues, etc. are in the area and to get feedback on how best to get to your meetings while in the city. Note, as previously mentioned, being a preferred customer with a hotel is a great way to be given timesaving advantages like no-wait check-ins, better rates, more involved service from hotel employees, etc.

Plan meal times. From the airport to your destination city to the journey home, you gotta eat. Do a little thinking about where and what you’re going to eat before you even leave your house.

“On short trips I always make sure to have a Balance Bar or a bag of nuts from Trader Joe’s,” shares Womack. “For flights longer than five hours, I make sure to include time in my schedule to grab a sandwich, a salad, and a bottle of water at the airport. I also recommend figuring out where you’re going to eat at your destination before you begin your journey, if possible. The day before you travel, call the concierge at the hotel where you’ll be staying. Ask for lunch and dinner options within walking distance or a short car ride from your hotel. This will not only save you time searching for food once you arrive, but it will also help you ensure you go to quality restaurants while on your trip.”

Know in advance how you’re going to get from place to place. Getting lost can be a huge time waster once you actually arrive at your destination. Plus, it can make you feel anxious, frustrated, or downright panicked! Prior to leaving for your trip, plan your routes and how you’ll travel. Are your meeting locations within walking distance of your hotel? If so, what’s the quickest route? If not, is it best to take a cab, or should you consider some other form of transportation? If you already know you’ll be driving yourself, make sure your rental comes with GPS or be sure to have your own device ready with a map or written directions as a back-up.

Avoid traveling during the busiest times of day. If you can, avoid planning your meetings, arrivals, and departures during the busiest travel times of the day. For example, in New York City, taxi drivers change shifts around 3:00 p.m., so getting a cab to a meeting that’s scheduled for mid-afternoon can be difficult and time consuming. The same goes for traveling to and from the airport (or anywhere) during rush hour in any big city. It can be difficult to get a cab during those times, and if you’re driving you could end up wasting time waiting in traffic.

Get to know people where you travel. If you frequently travel to the same locations (or heck, even if you don’t!), get to know the locals while you’re there. They’ll often be able to tell you the best places (restaurants, entertainment venues, etc.) to go that might be off the beaten path. They can also recommend better routes to use while traveling or put you in contact with other locals whom you might benefit from meeting. Not to mention, it’s always nice to have a friendly face to see wherever you go!

Learn to master the tech you use. Far too many of us today have the latest gadgets…but no idea how to really use them productively. Learn about the features of your smartphone, laptop, and tablet, and make sure you’re using them to their full advantage. The apps and software available can save you tons of time in your work flow and in how you use your travel time. For example, apps exist to help you find great places to eat or visit in your destination city, and they can also help you to check in for your flight while you’re waiting for a meeting to start or in the cab line at the hotel. Your phone’s alarm can even remind you to stop shopping in the airport bookstore and get to your gate!

Womack specifically points out that your cell phone’s camera, of all things, provides several timesaving options that you’ve probably never considered before:

• Use it to take notes. Instead of digging around looking for a pen and paper, simply snap a shot of books and items you want to buy or price-check online, restaurants you want to visit, billboards of shows you want to see, etc.

• Use it to remember your parking spot. Take a picture of your parking lot space number and parking structure floor. Travel days are stressed and rushed. For most people remembering where you left your car a week later can be a challenge!

• Use it to remember your rental car. Take a picture of your rental car and license plate. (It seems like they’re all silver or beige!) Save time you’d otherwise spend wandering around a parking lot looking for a car you can’t remember.

• Use it to remember your room number. Take a picture of your hotel room number, especially if you’re traveling to several cities or traveling very frequently. After awhile, especially if you’re in a different hotel every night, they all start to look the same!

About the Author:

Jason W. Womack, MEd, MA, provides practical methods to maximize tools, systems, and processes to achieve quality work/life balance. He has worked with leaders and executives for over 16 years in the business and education sectors. His focus is on creating ideas that matter and implementing solutions that are valuable to organizations and the individuals in those organizations.

To read Part One read Road Warriors Guide to Smart Travel 

Read Part Three of 27 tips including Tips for Productivity

27 Tips to Help You Stay Productive on the Ground and in the Air
For many businesspeople, traveling is a black hole of frustration, stress, and work that piles up while you’re stuck on a plane. Jason Womack offers a wealth of strategies to help you make the most of your time on the move so that you can accomplish great things once you reach your destination.

 Your plane hasn’t even left its gate, and you already feel defeated by another harried day of travel. You hit every traffic light in the city on the way to the airport, waited in a slow, frustrating line to check yourself in for your flight, and went through the usual hassle (and occasional humiliation) required to get through security. To make matters worse, you’ve just found out that your flight has been delayed for at least another hour—time you’ll spend worrying that you won’t make your meeting and feeling totally useless because you know you have a mountain of work on your plate that isn’t getting done.

If you’re one of the many Americans who travel regularly for business, this scenario is probably all too familiar. Airports, delays, and forced downtime are the bane of the road warrior’s existence, because they usually mean you’re getting even farther behind on your constantly expanding to-do list. According to Jason Womack, though, when you travel smart, you can continue to make huge strides with whatever you want to accomplish (even when you’re stuck at an airport gate)—you just have to implement the right tactics.

“When you spend the whole day just traveling, you have to catch up on emails, reports, phone calls, and other tasks when you reach your destination,” says Womack, a workplace performance expert, executive coach, and author of the new book Your Best Just Got Better: Work Smarter, Think Bigger, Make More (Wiley, February 2012, ISBN: 978-1-118-12198-6, $24.95). “Plus, the knowledge of what you have to do later stresses you out all day long. But when you work and travel smart, you’ll have time to explore the city you’re in after checking into the hotel…or to enjoy a hot bath and a glass of wine once you finally make it home.

“I want to stress that I’m not advocating becoming a productivity nut who’s constantly trying to do more, more, more,” he adds. “You make these changes to the way you travel so that you can do what you have to do while you’re waiting on that plane to take off or while you’re in your cab on your way to the hotel, so that you can do what you want to do later.”

If you’d like to increase your productivity the next time you don the armor of a road warrior, then read on for 27 of Womack’s tips to help you save time, cut stress, and accomplish great things while you’re on the road.

Tips for the Anti-Packrat
Luggage is a necessary evil for most road warriors. After all, nobody
really likes packing, lugging around a suitcase, and living out of one. Luckily, there
are simple tactics to prevent needless luggage-related stress.

Become a packing minimalist. How much time do you spend packing and unpacking before and after each trip? And when was the last time you really evaluated the contents of your suitcase? If you’re like many frequent travelers, says Womack, you probably tend to prepare for a trip on autopilot, and you include items that you never use or wear.

“Before the next trip, carefully examine what you pack and eliminate anything that isn’t necessary,” he suggests. “I know it sounds overly simple, but I promise you’ll be surprised by how much easier it is to find what you need when you’re on the road. Plus, the next time you have to pack, the task will go a lot more quickly. To save yourself some last-minute stress, I suggest repacking your travel bag the second everything is washed, dried, and folded.”

Invest in important duplicates for travel. All road warriors have experienced the sinking feeling that hits the moment you realize you’ve forgotten your phone charger, or even your hairbrush. Womack says it’s worth investing in a duplicate set of power chargers for your phone, laptop, and other tech devices, as well as a duplicate set of toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, razor, grooming products, etc.). Always keep these duplicates in your travel bag. This way, you’ll never have to worry about forgetting something, and you’ll save time because you won’t have to unplug your office setup and raid your bathroom before every trip.

Charge it…all. Create a checklist of “power” items with which you travel and get into the habit of reviewing that list the night before each trip in order to make sure each device is charging.

“I have one place in my home office where I always charge my travel must-haves,” shares Womack. “Conveniently, it’s on the same counter as my keys and wallet so I’m sure to grab my charging items before I head off to the airport. Be sure to do the same thing in your hotel room the night before traveling back home, too. And again, buy extra charging cords that always stay in your carry-on bag.”

Pack your workout gear. Taking advantage of your hotel’s gym, even if it’s only for 20 minutes, can relieve travel stress, keep you energized, and help with jetlag. Always carry a set of workout clothes in case you get a chance to use them, and lay them out when you arrive at your hotel room so that you won’t have to dig through your luggage first thing in the morning.

Be medically prepared. Always travel with a first aid kit that includes pain relievers, band-aids, cold medicine, etc. Having to stop what you’re doing to find a pharmacy can be time-consuming and expensive.

Keep important extras close. Ladies, always put an extra pair of pantyhose in your purse. Men, you might want to put a back-up tie in your briefcase. Having items like these on hand can reduce stress if you run into any hiccups on the road.

About the Author:

Jason W. Womack, MEd, MA, provides practical methods to maximize tools, systems, and processes to achieve quality work/life balance. He has worked with leaders and executives for over 16 years in the business and education sectors. His focus is on creating ideas that matter and implementing solutions that are valuable to organizations and the individuals in those organizations.

Read Part two of 27 tips including Tips for Smooth Travelling

Read Part Three of 27 tips including Tips for Productivity

He had a wonderful gait and seemed to have a mellow temperament; so, with US$500 less in my pocket, we returned home with this new horse, who I promptly named Shaggy. We let him loose in the field and soon discovered 2 problems. First, he didn’t like the other male horses, though he did like our one female horse – Louise. So we separated him from the boys (moved them to another field) and gave him Louise for his very own. Problem #1 solved.

But then we discovered that he liked his freedom and didn’t want to have anyone put a harness or halter on him – so he wouldn’t let anyone get near him. To resolve this, we had to “capture” him – several employees got on other horses and chased Shaggy, while attempting to use the lasso to contain him. In the end, they did manage to get a harness on him, but the employees, other horses, and Shaggy were all exhausted. After this happened twice, I stepped in and told these men, who had been around horses all their lives, that this would not happen again and that there had to be another way.

Remember, I was a not-so-young female with no real experience with horses, and I’m in what only can be described as a “macho” town with macho men who ride their macho horses. Their way worked, but, from my perspective, it required too much time and effort, and it did not seem good for Shaggy.

So, the “captures” stopped, and Shaggy and Louise were living happily in the field just below where the first buildings were being constructed by the local construction crew. I started going to the field every day with 2 bananas (peel and all – the horses love them!). Louise would come right over to me and gobble down a banana. Shaggy would watch from a distance of 100 feet or more while Louise consumed her treat, and then Shaggy’s treat because he kept his distance. Every day I went to the field, every day I fed Louise, every day I called Shaggy and tried to build trust. And every day Shaggy came a little closer.

And every day the construction crew watched me. And every day I prayed that Shaggy would come eat a banana so I could save face with the work crew. And to my utter delight and relief, after about a month, Shaggy came close enough to gobble down the apple I offered him. He immediately took off again, but that was the beginning. It was in this moment that I truly believed that I would be able to build enough trust with Shaggy to have him willingly allow me to put a halter on him eventually.

I continued to feed Shaggy and Louise bananas daily. Shaggy got comfortable with coming up to me. One day I put a halter on my shoulder and entered the field with my bananas. Shaggy spotted the halter and would not come over that day. He kept his distance, 100 feet or so. I repeated past behavior, feeding Louise the bananas every day, and Shaggy slowly worked his way back over to me. Finally, Shaggy willingly took the banana from my hand, even though I had the halter resting on my shoulder. Now Shaggy would let me pet him some before he took off, but never for very long.

The last step was offering Shaggy the banana while holding the halter out. Shaggy backed off again, but Louise kept eating and I kept offering. Slowly Shaggy moved closer. Eventually, Shaggy took the banana from me while I was holding the halter. After a number of repetitions, I then attempted to put the halter on Shaggy after he had eaten the banana. He was not willing the first few attempts, but I did not push; I wanted him to accept the halter willingly. One glorious day he agreed – he let me put the halter on, and I led him across the field in full view of the macho crew who clapped and congratulated me. Yes!

Postscript: Today Shaggy maintains some of his initial spirit. He, like the other horses, comes to the grain bucket each morning for his breakfast – at that time, our staff can put a halter on him, and he is a favorite with the guests. However, if there is no ride scheduled for the day, and he is returned to the field after breakfast, that is it for Shaggy for the day. He’s been fed and he’s loose, and he’s going to have fun – he does not make himself available to anyone for the remainder of the day. What a great horse!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Gina Cronin – eco-preneur and avid world traveler – owns and operates a leading

Green Globe certified, TripAdvisor top rated eco-resort, restaurant and solar powered, off-the-grid life style project in Boquete, West Panama, near Costa Rica. http://www.ranchodecaldera.com .

by Elaine M. Hunter

When traveling takes you away from your kids, it’s natural to worry about their well-being. You may also have second thoughts about your trip or the job that keeps you on the go. With proper preparations, you can have peace of mind about your children and your travels. Here are 10 actions to take.

• Communicate – Help your child understand the purpose and importance of your trip.

• Choose a responsible child-care provider – Get referrals from family and friends, interview several candidates, check out references, and listen to your parental instincts.

• Plan meals in advance – Prepare and store meals for each day you’ll be away. Get ideas from websites that suggest dishes for a week or more.

• Organize baby supplies – Place your baby’s bottles, food, diapers, wipes and other necessities in areas where they will be easily seen by your child-care provider.

• Make personal grooming easy – Give your child a hairstyle or cut he or she can easily manage.

• Organize toys and books – Set your child’s favorite toys and books where they can be easily seen and used. If any toys are battery-operated, stock extra batteries.

• Give written instructions for healthcare – Make a list for your child-care provider of any food allergies, medications, and special medical needs your child has.

• Plan outfits in advance – Select clothes for your child to wear each day you’ll be away. Have older kids choose their own outfits.

• Stock personal care items – Make sure your child has toothpaste, mouthwash, shampoo, and other hygienic products.

• Provide contact information – Give your child-care provider several phone numbers where you can be reached.

Elaine M. Hunter is a mother of two and author of Parenting Away From Home: 301 Preparations, Tips, and Reminders.

Climb Baru Volcano – see Atlantic and Pacific Oceans at the same time!

On the day before Easter, several friends, a guide from Habla Ya, and I set out to climb Volcan Baru, in Boquete, Panama. The climb is approximately 14.5 kilometers, with a 6,000-foot elevation change, reaching the summit at 11,479 feet. It was a pleasant, sunny morning, and we set out at a steady pace; signs were random and infrequent, so it was hard to judge just how far we had gone or how far we had to go.

We wanted to be halfway before stopping for lunch, but we couldn’t find any signs to figure out where we were. We were tired and hungry and didn’t know how far we had come (later on, we discovered that we all were having the same thoughts at this time: “What did I get myself into, and will I be able to make it to the top?”). At this point the “road” (mostly loose gravel) was quite steep, and each time we turned around a bend, another steep section appeared.

Finally, we gave up on the marker and stopped for lunch. The food was key – a pretty basic sandwich on Bimbo bread (yes, that is the real name of the local bread), but we were hungry and tired and it tasted really good. A great little piece of chocolate to top it off, and we were on our way again. Just a few hundred feet past where we stopped for lunch, we found the marker we had been looking for, and to our great surprise, we discovered that we were actually 2/3 of the way up the mountain, and not 1/2 as we had thought. At that point, we all knew that we could finish the climb, and proceeded with enthusiasm.

An ATV passed us in the afternoon – this was Habla Ya’s ATV with our camping gear, sleeping bags, and dinner. How great is that? We only had to carry water and snacks in our backpacks, which hugely reduced the effort required to climb the mountain, and when we arrived at the campsite (1.5 km below the summit), all the gear and food was already there.

Except for a number of blisters, we all made it in good shape – 13 km in 6 1/2 hours. The weather was cool and clear at the camp grounds, but we were hot and sweaty, so it was perfect. We relaxed, helped to get our tents set up (though the Habla Ya team did most of the work), and munched on some snacks.

We then hiked the last 1.5 km to the summit. As we neared the summit, we arrived at “tower central,” an area consisting of a number of buildings and a plethora of cell and Internet towers.

Once past these towers, we had to climb the rocky area (about a 5–10 minute climb), which was challenging and required total concentration.

But our timing was perfect – the sun began to set just as we arrived at the summit. We were truly on top of the world, above a sea of white, puffy clouds.

The skies began to turn pink in the distance as the clouds danced around us. As the sun sank lower and lower, the colors became more and more vibrant, to the point where we were in total awe of the gift that Mother Nature bestowed upon us. The night sky replaced the vibrant colors, and we descended to the campgrounds for a well-earned dinner prepared by the Habla Ya team.

The food hit the spot and included a delicious fried rice with chicken, a Panamanean staple. After recounting our day’s adventures, we settled in for the night. At 11,000 feet, it was significantly cooler than the mid-80s I am used to, and I think it got down to the low 50s that night, but I’m not sure. I do know it got cold enough for me to shiver throughout the night, despite the claims on the sleeping bag that it would protect the user down to freezing point.

We arose early the next morning and, with difficulty, climbed the 1.5 km to the top again. We were definitely sore from the day before, and it was very noticeable in those first 15 minutes, until our bodies adjusted. We arrived up top just after sunrise, and it was clear on the Pacific side and mostly cloudy on the Atlantic side, though we were able to see land briefly.

We returned to the campgrounds, ate a hearty breakfast, and began our descent. We had heard that going down was more difficult than going up, and eventually I came to believe that, as did the rest of the group. The first 1/3 of the way down was pretty smooth, and we were still high from what we had experienced at the summit. The road consisted mostly of loose gravel, which was difficult to navigate, especially on the steeper portions of the road. Even with walking sticks (and for me, the arm of Victor, our guide), it was difficult to stay on 2 feet and most of us had an unexpected “sit down” at some point during the descent. It took nearly as long to get down as to go up, much to the surprise of all of us. We all had achy knees, along with many other aching body parts, but it was well worth every ache and pain. What an awesome experience!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Gina Cronin – eco-preneur and avid world traveler – owns and operates a leading Green Globe certified, TripAdvisor top rated eco-resort, restaurant and solar powered, off-the-grid life style project in Boquete, West Panama, near Costa Rica. http://www.ranchodecaldera.com

The actual idea of completely getting away, losing contact, and being unplugged is becoming extinct for a generation that’s grown up digital. The question is – how does being in constant contact impact the benefit of a vacation? Sure we can wear a bathing suit or sit on the beach, but are we able to relax when we’re worried about an important email, feel the need to respond to an online report, or answer questions from the boss?

Indications are, we’re actually adapting to this 24/7 connection, although it may not be in the way we’d like. Remember multi-tasking? Back in the 90’s, we thought it was the answer to life itself. After all, why be content to do one thing when we can finish three at the same time? But recently we discovered the only thing multi-tasking does is to help us do a lot of things badly.

I think we’ll learn the same thing when it comes to staying connected on vacation.

Back in the P.D. (Pre-Digital) era, I cherished weekends. Being a writer and media producer, I avoided anything to do with writing or producing over the weekend. I spent time with the family, sleeping late, hiking, antique hunting, church, and more. I loved the break. And by Monday morning, I was eager to jump back into writing and producing, and I did it with a vengeance.

But since I crossed the digital divide, I’ve discovered it’s different. Over the weekend, I never quite leave my email or blog, and my mobile phone keeps me in touch with the office 24/7. Carrying a mobile device in my pocket means that I answer it anytime it rings or vibrates – much like an ankle bracelet the police use with someone on house arrest.

But I can’t help but believe that a “connected” vacation isn’t really a vacation at all. The concept of taking a holiday means that we clean out the cobwebs of worry, stress, and concern about work issues, so that we return to the office refreshed and ready to rock. But being constantly connected to the mothership slowly drains our ability to recharge. As a result, we eventually find that the value of the time off wasn’t really beneficial at all.

So this summer, take a real vacation. The kind of break that disconnects you from the routine, the demands, and the stress of work. Go with the intention of flushing your mind of the residue of obstacles, frustrations, and failures you’ve encountered over the last year.

As a creative professional, I need break. A complete break with my normal working life. Like the reset button on a computer, a real break changes everything and gives me a new perspective on life.

Think about it. Really get away. Put down the phone. Turn off the email. Discover the joy of being with friends and family. In the process, you might just re-discover your real purpose for living – and chances are, that purpose will have very little to do with a mobile device.

Phil Cooke is a media consultant and author of the new book “Jolt! Get the Jump on a World That’s Constantly Changing” (April 2011, Thomas Nelson). Find out more at philcooke.com.

New Device That Can Detect Security Risks Without Invading Privacy

In the pre-9-11 world, getting on a plane was as easy as emptying your pockets and walking through a metal detector. In the post-9-11 world, airline passengers must take off their shoes, their belts, empty their pockets and be subjected to invasive body scans and pat-downs that add dignity and privacy to the price of an airline ticket.

But a new Star Trek-like handheld scanner may signal the end to some of those more invasive security checks.

“Benjamin Franklin once said that those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety,” said Mitchel Laskey, CEO of Brijot®, maker of the AllClear™, a handheld screening device that the company claims can scan for security risks without pat-downs or invasive imaging. “While I can’t disagree with the idea of using security screening to make our airways safer, I knew that there had to be a better way than taking naked pictures of people or patting them down like common criminals. That’s why we developed the AllClear.”

The AllClear is a handheld, battery-powered, passive millimeter wave people screening device that detects metallic and non-metallic objects and provides an alternative to the need for pat-downs, according to Laskey.

“The AllClear addresses the world’s need for concealed item detection while protecting the safety and privacy of people being screened,” Laskey said. “Instead of being a metal detector that only looks for metal objects, or an imaging device that takes a picture, it uses millimeter waves to detect concealed objects. Millimeter waves are naturally occurring forms of electromagnetic wave energy ranging from approximately 30 GHz to 300 GHz or 1 mm to 10 mm in wavelength. The AllClear is a passive millimeter wave system, so the AllClear measures the natural millimeter wave energy naturally generated by bodies and objects, enabling screeners to detect anomalies without the need for a pat-down or an imaging scanner.”

The new technology enables the device to detect without ever touching the person being screened:

• Metallic objects

• Liquids

• Solids

• Powders

• Explosives

• Currency (paper)

• Ceramics

• Drugs (various types)

• Contraband (including CDs, DVDs, Blu-Ray discs, cell phones, etc.)

“The AllClear’s passive millimeter wave system is different from other scanners that use active millimeter waves, so there is no radiation involved with the screening,” Laskey added. “It poses no health risks, so it’s safe for everyone, including children, pregnant women, and people with pacemakers.”

According to the company’s website (www.brijot.com), the device does not need to be in contact with a person’s body. All surfaces of a person can be scanned without contact — including the hair, top of head, chest, arms, sides, groin area, legs, and ankles. Laskey added that the device could not only end the lion’s share of invasive security procedures, but also speed up the lines at airport security checkpoints.

“The AllClear only requires one operator, minimal training, and is easy to use,” he said. “The time it takes to screen a person using the AllClear is similar to using a handheld metal detector and takes less time than a pat-down. What’s more, it’s not just for airports. It can be used anywhere security measures are taken to keep the public safe – schools, public buildings, courthouses, concert venues, theme parks and more. We think that it’s time Americans feel safer again, without having to give up their privacy or dignity to do it.”

Mitchel J. Laskey leads Brijot Imaging Systems as president and chief executive officer and also serves as a member of its Board of Directors. For more than 30 years, Laskey has held executive management and leadership positions for public and private companies, with extensive experience in developing entrepreneurial high-tech companies and working closely with their institutional private equity investors.

“I love interacting, supporting and empowering people in any way,” says Maria, who has been involved in business and social organizations in both Marbella and Vienna. Her weblogs from those cities are now creating “bridges between people” on a global scale: readers in more than 70 countries visit the sites.

Maria is one of the few former United Nations staff members singled out for special reference and has an outstanding reputation as the former president of the Vienna International Center Society for Conscious Living. Returning to Vienna after five years of living in Marbella, she is now expanding her creative ideas, concept and team. She is fortunate to enjoy the support of some of the best editors, contributors, and associates – people as passionate about the work as she is. For more information about the Best of Vienna-Marbella team and network please have a look at: http://www.thebestofviennablog.com/about-us/ and http://www.thebestofviennablog.com/our-network/

The Best of Vienna-Marbella weblogs form a growing social network with free online magazines currently promoting Vienna and Marbella from A-Z. Our aim is to support and promote only the best artists, associations, businesses, cultural highlights, charities, events, golf, health facilities and therapists, hotels, professional services, properties, restaurants and cosmopolitan lifestyle. We also provide local sightseeing tips and photos. We are committed to client service – that which serves one – serves all. We seek to establish long-term associations and friendships with those who can provide excellent services (or products) to our readers. Our team of resourceful contributors holds an extensive network of valuable contacts, both local and global. For Vienna non-German speakers or Marbella non-Spanish speakers, we offer trusted professionals who are able to help them during their sojourn in those cities. It is our goal to feature the most beautiful places in our cities and provide useful information to the visitors and residents alike.

We are working together to make “The Best of” weblogs the most exclusive, selective and most complete sources for information on cities and regions around the world. The Vienna and Marbella websites are the templates for future websites: The Best of Moscow, Bratislava, Montenegro, Malta, Capri, Gibraltar, Paris, London, Dubai, Ibiza, South Africa and many more. We will include these and other locations under the umbrella websites “The Best of the World” and “The Best of Travel”. Therefore, we are always looking for partners, sponsors, and reliable businesses with top quality services to promote through our network.

We increasingly discover talented and gifted performers or artists who deserve a prominent place on the global stage and are glad to share their work with our readers. In keeping with our commitment to social responsibility, we are proud to promote peace in the world through local and international charities and multicultural events and artists that we support.

“The Best of Vienna” is the sister website of “The Best of Marbella”- one of the “101 female blogs in the world to watch in 2009″ according to WE Magazine for Women in the USA. We have been developing the concept, creating the content and expanding the network until now, but the best is yet to come! The new era will start in August 2011 when we re-launch our websites.

Please feel free to connect with us through our websites or social networks. Recommend our websites to anyone who is visiting (or living) in Vienna or Marbella – we want them to see the most beautiful aspects of our cities! Please contact us if you wish to promote your events, services, products or venues in these special cities or to request any further information.

The Best of Vienna-Marbella can be found on:

www.thebestofviennablog.com

www.thebestofmarbella.com

Edited by

Mae Lim-Banda Cayir and Karen Bentley Bales, Arts and Culture Correspondents ~ The Best of Vienna Blog

Rand McNally’s Travel Experts Report Consumers Are Increasing Spending on Travel

Despite economic softness, consumers don’t want to miss another vacation this winter!

Although concerned about the economy, consumers are steadily increasing spending on vacations, according to the fourth quarter 2010 Tripology Trend Report from Rand McNally.

The report, which is updated and released each quarter, shows consumers’ destination preference, budget, type and length of trip and travel agent usage trends collected by Rand McNally’s on-line travel specialists, better known as Tripologists.

Traveler’s budgets have increased 25% from Q4 2009 to Q4 2010, with an all time high of $5,768 spent per trip. Although conscious of economic realities, consumers still prioritize spending on life-event trips such as Honeymoons and Anniversaries, and time with family.

Consumers are continuing to plan 120 days prior to trip, and 75% are planning for trips of eight days or less. Long weekend trips represent 30% of all online bookings.

Top 10 city destinations requested continues to be led by Las Vegas, Orlando, Cancun, and Miami – consistent for the past four quarters. Los Angeles makes its debut in the top 10 this quarter.

From a regional perspective, Western Europe and Africa continue to trend positively, as they have in the prior quarter.

“Consumers are still traveling, and increasingly are interested in having a travel expert assist them. With Tripology, our company is able to offer unique on-line and off-line advice,” said John T. Peters, VP/GM Digital Strategy & Travel for Rand McNally.

Travelers may reach Tripologists to plan their trip with the click of a button at www.randmcnally.com or directly at www.tripology.com.

For a copy of the Quarterly Trend Report, please e-mail press@tripology.com.

About Rand McNally – Rand McNally is the most trusted source for maps, directions, and travel content. Rand McNally’s products and services include: Interactive travel service, Tripology; America’s #1 Road Atlas; IntelliRoute® truck routing software and GPS devices; and the leading geography-based educational resources for the classroom. Consumers, businesses, truckers, and educators depend upon Rand McNally to help navigate today’s world. www.RandMcNally.com

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